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ER vs. Urgent Care vs. Quick Clinics?

So many options, so little clarity.
Where you go for care matters not only in regards to
how much it will cost but also in what services they
can perform.

Emergency Room visit

With an Emergency Room visit, you have the highest possible cost with the longest possible wait times (unless it’s a critical issue). However, the highest price brings the greatest array of treatment options, including immediate blood testing and full medical scanning.

PROS

Greatest array of treatment options

CONS

Higher cost

Longer wait times

Symptoms or conditions that warrant an Emergency Room visit include:

Large open wounds

Heavy bleeding

Sudden change of vision

Chest pain

Trouble breathing

Major burns

Head injury

Loss of consciousness

Sudden weakness

Urgent Care visit

With an Urgent Care visit, you have moderate bills and typically brief wait times. While many Urgent Care facilities are located in hospitals, they do not have the same access to testing and equipment of an Emergency Room. For example, there is no immediate blood testing or medical scanning.

PROS

Moderate Bills

Shorter wait times

CONS

Limited access to testing and equipment

Symptoms or conditions that warrant an Urgent Care visit include:

Small cuts

Minor bleeding

Sprains

Minor broken bones

Rashes

Urinary tract infections

Pelvic infections

Mild asthma attacks

Sore throat

Quick Clinic visit

With a quick clinic visit, you’ll have the lowest cost and the shortest wait times. You’ll also have the most limited availability of medical treatments, tests and expertise.